Henoch–Schönlein purpura due to methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia from central venous catheterization

A 69-year-old Caucasian man was admitted to our hospital because of myocardial infarction. A central venous catheter (CVC) for infusive therapy was inserted. After two weeks he developed fever, purpura, and knee arthralgia. Hemoculture yielded methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Subsequently, oliguric renal failure, hematuria, and nephrotic range proteinuria were recorded. Renal biopsy showed mesangial proliferation and crescent formation. In an immunofluorescence study, IgA, IgG, and C3 deposition in the mesangium and along arteriolar walls were observed. A diagnosis of Henoch–Schönlein purpura associated with infection caused by CVC was made. After administration of antibiotic and steroid therapy, proteinuria was markedly reduced, renal function improved, and purpura disappeared. The association of HSP with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has frequently been reported in the literature. We present here a case of HSP in association with MSSA bacteremia from central venous catheterization, a finding not reported previously.